History Lessons

History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

Set on a leafy university campus instead of a battlefield, Zoe B. Wallbrook’s “History Lessons” takes the familiar framework of a murder mystery and spins it into something sharper, funnier, and more socially aware. At the center is Daphne, a newly hired professor at Harrison University, who is juggling all the messiness of academia including department politics, tenure pressure, and the weird rituals of faculty meetings, when a colleague ends up dead. Suddenly, she’s not just navigating office rivalries and grading stacks of papers, she’s trying to solve a crime that cuts into the very culture of the institution she’s just joined.

What immediately grabs you is Daphne herself. She’s funny, a bit nerdily intelligent, fearless in  ways that she doesn’t necessarily recognize herself, and no less important, she’s one of just a few Black faculty people on campus. The fact that she is Black tints everything that she does from the way she navigates meetings to students judging her and colleagues assuming they can discount her. The novel doesn’t pound you with that, but it informs the ways that she puts together puzzles in solving that mystery. Her narrative voice is that which continually draws you in, no matter if she’s unraveling puzzles or satirizing academic mumbo-jumbo with a good one-sentence sketch. Wallbrook’s writing is fast-paced and fun to read. The chapters seemed to flip by when I read the story, often with a cliffhanger twist or a joke that made me just want to read one more time before I went to sleep. The dialogue seemed just right: professors bantering, students with their own issues, even cops getting caught up in the campus bubble. I adored that the story seemed like a campus satire at times, a cozy mystery at times, and a thriller novel at others. What readers will enjoy is that Wallbrook takes the tiny tensions of academic living and makes them dramatic and tense moments. While the novel isn’t flawless in my eyes, there are many threads going on all at once- mystery, love story, departmental intrigue, historic references. But sometimes it feels just a little overfull. The love subplot in particular doesn’t receive the same depth level of the other parts of the novel, and several of the secondary characters might have received just a little room to breathe themselves. But even with these complaints, however, not once did the novel ever run out of steam.

My big takeaway from “History Lessons” is that it’s not just a crime-solving story, but of who gets to tell history and whose voices get omitted. Wallbrook manages to do that while still writing a page-turner with humor and warmth. If you like campus novels, twisty cozy-style mysteries, or just smart, character-led novels, do look out for this one. It’s a very strong debut novel, and it feels like Daphne is a character with wonderful potential for being the center of a whole series.

 

 

Words

Words by Katherine Davis-Gibbon

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

In “Words” by Katherine Davis-Gibbon, readers are taken on a magical journey of discovering how words can have such an emotional impact on our lives. Words can teach us something new, convey a message, or even allow us to share emotions or thoughts with others. Each word we pick to speak is just as uniquely different as each of us is. Amazingly, the same word used could have different meanings for the person saying them and receiving them. Will you now stop and pay closer attention to the words that surround you every day? You’ll be happily surprised at what you just might discover.  Purchase Here.

I truly enjoyed this children’s book and felt it was in a class all its own. The theory of presenting to a child that words are just as fun and different as you are was such a refreshing concept to read as a theme for a children’s picture book. As an adult, it made me stop to think about how we each use words every day to communicate many different emotions. We can tell a story with words or even express an emotion. The words we choose have different levels of intensity depending on how we use them. Never did I read any book that came off with such an impactful message as Katherine Davis-Gibbon has written.

Another thing I want to mention is how cleverly Ms. Davis-Gibbon incorporated certain words, sometimes obviously, while other times cryptically, to her readers. Readers of all ages will stop and take their time looking at the illustrations to see what the next word might be in the picture and how that word chosen tells a different story from the others used.

The illustrations provided by Anne Berry were not only fun to look at, but the depth of each picture created pulls readers in to see what story that page is ready to present to its readers. The colors are vibrant and easily draw the readers deeper into their reading experience. There is plenty for the readers to visually take in as they turn the pages, looking at these full-paged illustrations. Anne Berry is a professional illustrator who has created art for children’s books, magazines, curricula, greeting cards, and more for over ten years.

Katherine Davis-Gibbon is not only an award-winning children’s book author; but also a yoga teacher, a meditation practitioner, and the founder of the children’s book company Riverlet Press.

Overall, “Words” by Katherine Davis-Gibbon is one book that can be enjoyed by readers young and old. The storyline is just as refreshingly unique as each chosen word character that was drawn into this enjoyable children’s picture book. This children’s book comes highly recommended!

 

Let's Do Everything and Nothing

Let’s Do Everything and Nothing by Julia Kuo

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

I picked up a copy of Let’s Do Everything and Nothing, not really knowing what to expect. It’s short, quiet, and doesn’t try to impress you with a big story or flashy words. But wow—it got to me. There’s something about the way it captures love and presence that made me pause.  Purchase Here.

The book follows two people—possibly a mom and daughter, maybe not. It doesn’t spell it out, and honestly, it doesn’t need to. What matters is how they move through the world together. They do big things like climbing mountains and swimming in oceans, but also small things like lying on the floor and watching shadows stretch. And somehow, the small stuff felt bigger.

What is meant by the statement, “Let’s do everything and nothing”? Even though it might seem like you are not doing much, as long as you are with someone you love, you are enjoying the time together, and that is what truly matters. This is the main theme throughout the book.

The illustrations are colorful and match each page. There are little cultural touches—shrimp chips, Chinese calligraphy—that made it feel personal. It’s the kind of book you want to read slowly, maybe even out loud, just to let it sink in.

After I finished it, I sat there for a minute and thought about the people I’ve shared quiet moments with. It made me feel a little nostalgic, but in a good way. This book is recommended for children 3-6 years old. However, this isn’t just a children’s book—it’s a reminder of how special it is to be with someone we simply love.

Thank You, Mama

Thank You, Mama by Linda Meeker

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

So, I was glad I grabbed “Thank You, Mom” on a whim. It is the kind of book that feels like a hug — plain, true, and soft around the edges. Step into the shoes of a mom with nothing but love, and you will be inspired to think about how you truly appreciate all the small things a woman does, as Linda Meeker encapsulates motherhood in such a loving and heartfelt light.  Purchase Here.

It is a story that may not have much flash or over-the-top drama, but that’s partly why it works. From a child’s point of view, we see that regular parts of life, such as packing lunches, providing words of encouragement, and simply being present through the hard moments, are grand gestures. I thought of my mom then, that yearning note in the back of my mind brings me so many memories of her, and I saw there what I see about my mama — the gentle strength with which a child is offered all along.

The pictures have a gentle and loving feel to them, which pairs perfectly with the story itself. And it reads like a bedtime story to your child, or a great gift book for any mother who needs a reminder that what she is doing makes all the difference.

But what struck me, and what I adore most about the book, is how universal it sounds. This book is for moms and people with moms who are like your mother; it is all about them. It is a wonderful read for those of you celebrating motherhood in a serene, mindful way.

I Love You Daddy

I Love You, Daddy by Jillian Harker

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

Jillian Harker’s I Love You, Daddy is a soft and beautifully illustrated story that showcases the special bond between father and child. Together with Kristina Stephenson’s amazing artwork, the book takes us on quite a journey with Little Bear and Daddy Bear—one that children and adults will enjoy.  Purchase Here.

Little Bear wants to feel grown up. With Daddy Bear close by, he tackles climbing trees, hunting for honey, and preparing their den for the winter. Each task takes Little Bear closer to his goal. All in all, it is not easy – he encounters some stumbles along the way. Through it all, Daddy Bear offers steady encouragement, gently guiding Little Bear without taking away the joy of discovery.  The story is easy for young readers to follow, making it a wonderful addition to a bedtime ritual or quiet reading time. The book shows how children’s confidence blooms when love and reassurance are freely given.

Stephenson’s illustrations are a delight—soft, warm colors and expressive characters create a cozy world. Every page pulls you deeper into the bears’ journey, with sweet little details that make kids giggle or smile.

The story emphasizes how a parent’s presence builds courage and security.  It teaches kids that it’s okay to need help, even when they want to be grown up.  This story is great to show how important it is for a father and child to bond.

This book is ideal for:
– Young children ages 2–6
– Dads who want to build deeper connections with their kids through storytelling
– Families looking for a read for bedtime or Father’s Day

I Love You, Daddy isn’t just your usual picture book—it’s a celebration of emotional warmth and the trust that builds through patient parenting. Its charm lies in its simplicity and its heartfelt message: love lets us grow, but it’s also what holds us when we need comfort.

Whether you’re a dad reading this to your little one or someone cherishing memories of a supportive parent, the story will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a smile.

Hunting the Red Fox

Hunting the Red Fox by W. Kenneth Tyler, Jr.

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

From the moment Perry Barnes opened his mouth, I knew I was in for more than a story about golf. Told through the lens of Roger Mace, an earnest, aspiring writer and amateur golfer determined to collect honest, unembellished life stories, “Hunting the Red Fox” by W. Kenneth Tyler, Jr., unfolds as a novel that reads like a true account, blending historical fiction, sports, espionage, and personal reinvention. As Mace listens, Barnes, an enigmatic 82-year-old with a disarmingly smooth voice and a shadowy past, reveals far more than tales from the PGA Tour in the early 1950s, with one earlier appearance during World War II. What begins as a look back at his golfing days in the 1950s soon gives way to a sweeping, layered confession, one that traverses war, theft, deception, love, and the fragile pursuit of redemption.  Purchase Here.

The story centers on Perry Barnes, an 82-year-old Southern gentleman whose charm and mystique immediately draw you in. As he begins to peel back the layers of his past, it becomes increasingly clear both to the reader and to Mace that what he is about to reveal has never been spoken out loud before, not even to his wife.

Barnes’ confessions unfold in unexpected bursts. They are stories of wartime missions that never officially happened and high-stakes encounters where the wrong move could mean a life lost or a secret exposed, as well as one impossible decision involving a priceless object and a promise made in the dark. At times, they leave Mace speechless, his pen hovering in midair, unsure whether he’s listening to fact or fable until Barnes provides just enough detail to make disbelief impossible.

These aren’t the nostalgic ramblings of an old man clinging to faded glory but rather the haunting recollections of someone who has lived on the edge of history, love, and law and who now seeks not forgiveness but to be fully known before it’s too late. Barnes does not seek pity, nor redemption, nor even understanding but rather wants to be seen for who he truly is, not just the golfer, the gentleman, or the husband, but the man behind the “carefully constructed” life, the man shaped by war, tempted by power, shadowed by regret, and compelled by something he still cannot name. Through his story, the author speaks powerfully to something far greater than one man’s extraordinary past- to the universal longing to get known before we are forgotten, to reckon with the choices that shaped us, and to confront the truths we’ve spent a lifetime burying. He also speaks to the fragile, often uncomfortable space between who we were, who we may have pretended to be, and who we might have become.

“Hunting the Red Fox” doesn’t rush in waving flags or demanding your attention with loud, dramatic scenes. It rather unfolds like a conversation you’re lucky to overhear, gradually pulling you closer and drawing you into something far more layered and unexpected than you initially thought. Structurally, the novel is framed through interviews that give the narrative both intimacy and tension while allowing the past and present to sit beside each other, overlapping in ways that feel natural and emotionally earned. The story development itself has been handled with a kind of quiet confidence and in a manner that requires the reader to be patient, to pick up on small details, and to recognize that even in seemingly light moments something weightier may be brewing beneath the surface. In terms of pacing, this isn’t a thriller in the traditional sense, though it carries the tension and intrigue of one. Instead, the book takes its time, letting scenes breathe and allowing the backstory to unfold at a human rhythm, much the way someone might tell you their life story across several evenings. There are, however, moments when the pace slows down, such as when Barnes reflects on his childhood or the mechanics of golf or wartime detail, but these aren’t fillers; rather, they serve as essential grounding points. The prose is clear, unpretentious, and conversational, which suits the oral-history-style narrative beautifully. The language is never flowery or overwrought, but it’s smart and deliberate, with a kind of Southern lilt that is particularly effective in the way word choice mirrors character.

“Hunting the Red Fox” by W. Kenneth Tyler, Jr., sparkles especially in how the author layers the mystery, not in a puzzle-box, high-stakes kind of way, but through character revelation, through implication, and through the emotional weight of memory. Readers will love how it carries the sense that something is always being withheld. It will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, from those who enjoy watching a life unfold in slow, textured detail to those who enjoy slipping into time periods like the 1930s to 1950s, where world events and personal decisions intersect in meaningful, sometimes unexpected ways.

Third Place: Creed of Legends by A.K. Kubica

Creed of Legends by A.K. Kubica

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

In the book “Creed of Legends” by A.K. Kubica, decades ago the kingdom of Kresha created alliances with certain individuals and as a result, it caused a continent to divide because of the poor choices made. From that time, two men, both with legacies to follow, are at a battle with each other. Nothing will stop them and their hatred for each other is obvious to everyone around them. Tarison, given the title of king at a juvenile age, has developed intense animosity for Brudais, Leifuis and Xenia’s son. As these boys grow and become adults, their hatred has grown deeper as each year passes. To the point that Tarison would do anything to take Brudais’ life, even if it means with his own hands. Brudais, although despising Tarison, defends his homeland serving the king he very much hates and knows wants him dead. But both have legacies they must fulfill. Are they able to achieve their destinies?

A.K. Kubica has masterfully written an epic fantasy adventure tale that is so descriptive, you feel as if you are in the kingdom of Kresha as another resident within the story. As I turned the pages, not only the characters, but the world she created came right off the pages for me to delve into. Considering this is her first novel, this author has a talent that not many can achieve within their first attempted novel, and a detailed novel at that.

One of the points that I really enjoyed about the presentation of this novel was how Kubica dedicated chapters to certain characters. Within those chapters, that dedicated individual was able to tell their story from their point of view and allow readers to see things through their eyes personally. I really enjoyed this approach, not seen done in many novels, and it worked perfectly for this fantasy novel. Readers could immerse themselves more by having each chapter dedicated to an individual, which then added to the storyline as a whole overall.

The characters she created were real people and having the chapters dedicated to them telling their stories allowed me to develop stronger bonds with each one of them, even if they weren’t a favored character of mine like King Tarison. The internal and external battles both Tarison and Brudais experienced with each other throughout the entire novel were believably real to me. These weren’t created cardboard characters I was reading about. On the contrary, they became real human beings that had thoughts, fears and emotions. They truly hated each other and wanted the other to be eliminated in any possible way that could happen.

A.K. Kubica is a fantasy author and poet. She has published several poems over the past fifteen years in anthologies, and even published a book of short stories that has been published this past year. Being a fantasy reading fan herself, Kubica felt that she wanted to create something that readers would enjoy as much as she loved reading herself. This is how this novel was born. Ironically, the author has had many insecurities throughout the years in regard to her not being worthy enough to produce meaningful writing that readers would love. Thankfully, she overcame her insecurities enough to have tried her hand at writing this wonderfully entertaining novel. This is the first book in the Fear and Fortitude series.

If you’re looking for a fantasy book that has a wonderful storyline to follow along with and well-developed characters you invest in getting to know personally, then “Creed of Legends” by A.K. Kubica is one novel you must look into. Well done, Ms. Kubica!

Please click on the link below for more information on the Kickstarter Program and how Backers will get their special editions and digital rewards by September 2025, two months ahead of the official release!

Kickstarter Program Link

Second Place: The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang

The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang

Reviewed by Timea Barabas

The Regression Strain grips you from page one and doesn’t let go. Kevin Hwang delivers a fascinating medical thriller set aboard the luxury cruise ship Paradise. Dr. Peter Palma signs on as the ship’s physician, expecting smooth sailing. Instead, he finds himself facing a terrifying unknown that drives human behavior into dangerous regression.  Purchase Here.

Peter steps away from his quiet family practice to join the medical staff aboard a cruise ship, hoping the change of pace will lead to some much-needed self-discovery and escape. It feels good to be somewhere he’s needed, somewhere he can truly make a difference. But his fresh start hits rough waters quickly.

Dr. Elizabeth Hartley, the ship’s stern chief physician, greets him with cold hostility, and even Luisa, one of the nurses, keeps her distance. Only Nurse Mandy brings warmth to the clinic, her presence a welcome contrast in an otherwise frosty atmosphere.

In an attempt to distance himself from his family after a devastating loss, Peter sets out on this unexpected journey only to discover he’s not as alone as he thought. Unknowingly, he finds himself sharing the voyage with a loved one, offering a rare chance to mend a strained relationship before it’s too late.

As chaos erupts aboard the ship, a loved one’s presence adds another layer of complexity. Still, Peter is unexpectedly grateful, for in the heart of the medical storm, this unlikely ally helps him connect the dots and face what lies ahead.

What initially appear to be isolated incidents of extreme and reckless behavior soon form the outline of a pattern. It falls to Peter to connect the dots and decipher the medical mystery behind a rapidly escalating outbreak of aggression. New to the job and still struggling to establish his authority, Peter faces mounting challenges as the invisible threat begins to compromise the ship’s staff and crew including the captain.

In an environment clouded by uncertainty, he must make critical decisions to contain the crisis and minimize casualties. But as suspicion grows that he himself may be affected by the unknown agent, Peter finds himself racing against both time and his own unraveling sanity to protect the people of Paradise before they reach their final port, New York.

Kevin Hwang delivers a compelling medical thriller set aboard the Paradise cruise ship, where every turn brings a new twist. The Regression Strain is the perfect choice for readers seeking a compelling summer read or a captivating escape from the everyday.

One of Them

One of Them by Kitty Zeldis

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“One of Them” by Kitty Zeldis is an elucidating historical novel that follows two young women navigating identity, belonging, and silent rebellion at Vassar College in 1946. If you enjoy layered character studies wrapped in historical settings—stories that quietly explore the cost of fitting in versus standing out—this book will speak to you in a very personal way. It’s a catchy story about secrets, about the masks we wear to survive, and about the deep loneliness that can come from pretending to be someone you’re not.  Purchase here.

The main character, Anne Bishop, appears to be the typical well-bred Vassar sophomore. She’s part of a privileged, all-American (and quite snobby) group of girls who sip tea in velvet parlors and gossip about who’s suspicious, who’s “not quite right,” and who doesn’t belong. But here’s the twist: Anne’s not actually Anne. Her real name is Miriam. And she’s Jewish—something no one around her knows. She’s hidden that part of herself to blend in, to avoid the whispers, the exclusion, and the subtle but constant stream of anti-Semitic remarks that pass as casual conversation in her circle.

I think readers will feel the tension right away—Anne isn’t just playing along; she’s surviving. At times, it’s hard to watch her go along with the group, to stay silent when they say cruel things, but you also understand why she does it. She’s grieving the loss of her father, she’s deeply lonely, and this group—flawed as they are—gives her some sense of place. Then Delia Goldhush enters the picture, and everything begins to shift.

Delia is a force. She’s sharp, unapologetically Jewish, fashionable, and carries herself with the kind of quiet strength that comes from knowing exactly who she is. She doesn’t try to be accepted, which makes her even more fascinating to Anne. Their connection starts slowly—awkward glances in the library, a quiet dinner table conversation—but it feels powerful, charged, and meaningful. You can feel Anne’s heart tugging in one direction while her fear and loyalty to her image tug her in another. For readers, that emotional conflict is gripping.

The writing itself is soft but intelligent. Zeldis doesn’t use big drama to keep you turning pages. Instead, she leans into emotional honesty—those uncomfortable silences, the little betrayals, and the way someone’s smile can carry just enough edge to cut. Her style is clean and contemplative, allowing you to truly put yourself in Anne’s shoes. Additionally, the structure, which alternates between Anne’s present and Delia’s eerie past in wartime Paris, adds layers and crucial depth without becoming confusing.

What stood out most to me is how Zeldis explores how identity can be both a shield and a prison. Anne hides who she is to gain entry into a world that will never fully accept her. Delia refuses to hide and pays the price in isolation. Their paths collide beautifully—and painfully. I won’t spoil how things unfold, but there’s heartbreak, reflection, and a quiet sense of growth that lingers long after the last page.

If you’re a reader who enjoys emotional depth, moral complexity, and historical fiction that still feels relevant, “One of Them” by Kitty Zeldis is a book worth spending time with. I’m really glad I read it—and I think you will be too.

The Dead Come to Stay

The Dead Come to Stay by Brandy Schillace

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

Some novels creep up on you like a drizzle turning into a downpour—you think you are relaxing into something light and warm, only to be carried away by something deeper, weirder, and more captivating than you imagined. “The Dead Come to Stay” by Brandy Schillace is exactly that kind of book. It charms you with an eccentric village, a bumbling house guest, and a heroine who nervously over-offers tea and cookies, then ambushes you with murder, legacy, and emotional resonance that lingers long after the last page.  Purchase Here.

At the center is Jo Jones, a neurodivergent American editor trying to rebuild her life in a crumbling Yorkshire cottage she inherited under strange, silent circumstances. When she rents out her attic suite to a rain-soaked, vaguely suspicious man named Ronan Foley, she expects a quiet transaction. Instead, the next morning he’s found dead in a muddy ditch—his red shirt soaked, his backstory missing. Jo, still recovering from the previous year’s trauma (a burned-down ancestral manor, a hidden skeleton, a mystery with roots in her own family line), is thrust once again into the heart of a murder investigation.

But this is no standard mystery but a gripping plot that wind between old secrets and fresh wounds, as Jo navigates both her personal history and her present circumstances with remarkable insight, awkward charm, and a steadfast refusal to conform. Alongside her is MacAdams, a gruff, skeptical, quietly loyal detective whose push-and-pull rapport with Jo lends the story both tension and tenderness. As the investigation unfolds, layers of Jo’s own past resurface, revealing how closely the dead come to stay, not just in places, but in people.

Schillace’s writing is gently lyrical, often funny, and deeply interior. The real power here isn’t just in whodunit mechanics—though the mystery is well-paced and satisfying—it’s in how vividly the characters live and breathe on the page. Jo’s voice is the heartbeat of the novel: sharp and observant, filled with tangents and literary asides, and prone to delightful over explanations that somehow make her more endearing, not less.

Here’s one of my favorite early moments that perfectly captures the book’s voice:

“Maybe it was the fact that Jo had forgotten to call them tea biscuits, or maybe it had to do with the fact she wasn’t taking breaths between sentences, but the startled pigeon suddenly began to . . . laugh. It worked a change in him, shaking all the stiffness out.”

That’s the tone in a nutshell- awkward, tender, and unexpectedly transformative. You come for the mystery, but you stay for the protagonist—her intellect, her emotional honesty, her complicated, beautiful mind.

If you love your mysteries thoughtful, character-driven, and tinged with bittersweet humor, “The Dead Come to Stay” by Brandy Schillace is more than worth a visit. It’s the kind of book that leaves a faint, haunting echo—like a footprint in damp earth, or a cup of tea gone cold beside an unanswered question.